A written document with instructions for disposing of assets after death. A will can only be enforced through a probate court. A will can also contain the nomination of guardian for minor children.

A fiduciary relationship in which one party, known as the trustmaker, gives another party, known as the trustee, the right to hold property or assets for the benefit of another party, the beneficiary. The trust should be memorialized by a written trust agreement, outlining how the trust assets will be distributed to the beneficiary.

Incapacity planning Includes a durable power of attorney, a written document appointing a trusted decision-maker to make financial decisions or carry out financial transactions on behalf of another. It also includes an advance healthcare directive, a written document appointing a trusted person to make medical decisions on behalf of another if they cannot make or communicate their wishes. It also provides direction about end-of-life care.

The legal procedure (probate) which takes place when someone dies with a will or intestate. Probate includes the process of collecting and evaluating the deceased’s assets, paying any outstanding debt or taxes, and distributing the remaining assets to beneficiaries.